Neighborhood safety, home value, drug use, and density concerns met local leaders on Jan. 25 as they introduced Santa Maria residents to a new proposal to put an interim housing facility near the Betteravia Government Center. At the community meeting, one neighbor shared worries about loitering in nearby parks, neighborhoods, and shopping centers. “The people […]
Santa Maria residents express concerns about new housing proposal from Santa Barbara County supervisors, nonprofit leaders
Posted inNews
The Boys and Girls Club can serve more kids through its new, third location in Guadalupe
Through a partnership between the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast and the city of Guadalupe, the newly renovated community center at LeRoy Park will now serve as the Ron Estabillo Clubhouse—continuing child care services for Guadalupe residents. “There’s a real crisis in child care, and what we do for after school programming […]
Posted inOpinion
Better than nothing
Do you know how to put your political career at risk in Santa Maria? All you have to do is support a homeless housing program, apparently. At least, that’s according to the two members of Santa Barbara County’s Board of Supervisors who spoke at a recent community meeting about a new project slated for an […]
Posted inOpinion
Santa Maria needs options beyond developer paybacks to create affordable housing
The Santa Maria City Council recently approved a Disposition and Development Agreement with Vernon Property Group, for a revitalization project at Main Street and Broadway. The project involves the creation of new commercial space and 88 rental apartments, a majority to be leased at market rate. It also involves $1.25 million in financial incentives from […]
Posted inOpinion
Your local vote and participation help on many levels
The League of Women Voters, Santa Maria Valley (LWVSMV) joins with the LWVCalifornia in condemning senseless gun violence as evidenced very recently in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. Our hearts and prayers reach out to the families and those victims, family, friends, and communities impacted. Laws regarding gun safety and mental health are […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Searching for Snow exhibit highlights icy photographs by Lee-Volker Cox
Neither rain nor sleet nor snow has kept one local photographer—usually armed with a camera everywhere he goes—from adding to his body of work on a near daily basis. The Santa Maria Riverbed was one of Central Coast resident Lee-Volker Cox’s recent subjects, which he documented after the January rainfall, while a new solo exhibit […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Cypress Gallery holds new photo exhibit, The Quest for Hidden Gems of California
The Lompoc Valley Art Association presents The Quest for Hidden Gems of California, a new photography exhibition set to premiere at the Cypress Gallery on Thursday, Feb. 2, and remain on display through Tuesday, Feb. 28. An opening reception for the show will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. This […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Chumash Casino Resort presents Paul Anka live in concert
On Saturday, Feb. 11, Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka will perform at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. Tickets to the concert, which will start at 8 p.m., range between $79 and $139. In 1956, Anka was 15 years old when he released his first single, “Blau Wile Deveest Fontaine,” according to press materials. A […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Buttonwood Farm’s new sous chef spills the beans about his culinary journey
What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Before moving to Santa Barbara County in 2018, prolific chef Lee Gottheimer spent years perfecting his cooking chops in Nevada’s Sin City, where he worked for a handful of prestigious restaurants after graduating from culinary school. Gottheimer—who recently took on a new role as sous chef […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc still uncertain about continuing county Animal Services contract
Although the Lompoc City Council was thrilled to see an Animal Services facility reopened in the city, it still wanted more research into whether contracting with Santa Barbara County was the best option for service. “I was really disheartened and disappointed when the shelter closed. There was no notification, and I do feel like the […]
Posted inNews
Solvang City Council appointment divides public, elected officials
During its first meeting of 2023, the Solvang City Council discussed how to approach the seat left vacant by newly elected Mayor Mark Infanti, as two years remain on his City Council member term. On Jan. 12, the council voted to appoint former City Councilmember Robert Clarke, who lost his 2022 reelection campaign, to fill […]
Posted inNews
Residents want better outreach for Santa Maria annexation project
Mooncrest Lane resident Susan Bryant left a project hearing about a proposed development in her neighborhood unsettled and confused. “Overall I think it’s fair to say that people were frustrated and angry,” the Orcutt resident said. “I think the frustration was not knowing about [the hearing]. The anger was there were questions that didn’t get […]
